THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Raipur, July 18: In a significant development in the Chhattisgarh liquor scam case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel. The arrest followed early morning raids by the ED at the residences of Bhupesh Baghel and his son.
According to sources, several crucial documents related to the alleged liquor scam were seized during the raids. The ED questioned Chaitanya Baghel, but officials claimed he failed to provide satisfactory answers, leading to his arrest under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
ED Alleges ₹2,161 Crore Illegally Earned Through Liquor Scam
According to the ED investigation, a coordinated liquor syndicate defrauded the state exchequer between 2019 and 2022, generating around ₹2,161 crore in illegal proceeds, which the agency classifies as “Proceeds of Crime.”
The probe revealed that then Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma allegedly received monthly cash payments sourced from the scam. Influential figures like Anwar Dhebar and Anil Tuteja are also said to be involved in the syndicate.
Also Read- Jharkhand sees surplus rainfall; heavy showers forecast for Ranchi region
How the Scam Was Orchestrated
As per available information, distillers were bribed in the form of commissions. Country-made liquor was sold through government-run outlets without any official records, ensuring no revenue reached the state treasury. In return for fixed market shares, distillers paid hefty sums, effectively creating a liquor mafia network.
Bribes were also allegedly taken for issuing FL-10A foreign liquor licenses. The ED has so far attached assets worth ₹205 crore, and the investigation is ongoing. More high-profile political names are expected to surface in the coming days.
Baghel Calls It a Political Conspiracy
Bhupesh Baghel took to social media to inform about the ED’s action and accused the central agency of being misused for political purposes. He said the raids were timed to divert attention from critical issues like deforestation in Tamnar for industrial projects.
He also pointed out that the raids coincided with the final day of the state assembly session, during which the issue was scheduled to be raised.
